Ultrasound Preparation

Ultrasound testing at DetroitMedicalCenter can be scheduled by calling 888-DMC-2500.

Important: The preparations listed on these pages DO NOT APPLY TO CHILDREN.

You should ALWAYS check with your doctor before stopping any of your medications.

Abdominal (& complete abdominal Ultrasound)

Prep: Nothing to eat or drink after midnight before the test if appointment is before 12:00noon. If you have an afternoon appointment, do not eat or drink for 8 hours before your appointment time. You may drink water.

Note: If you are diabetic or have concerns about not eating for this length of time, call the hospital’s Radiology Department for further prep information.

Abdomen & Pelvis

Prep: Nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours before your appointment time, except water as noted: Drink 28 ounces water one hour before the test. Do not urinate before the exam.If you are on dialysis do notdrink the water.

Aorta

Prep Nothing to eat or drink after midnight before the test if appointment is before 12:00noon. If you have an afternoon appointment, do not eat or drink for 8 hours before your appointment time. You may drink water.

Note: If you are diabetic or have concerns about not eating for this length of time, call the hospital’s Radiology Department for further prep information.

Arterial

Prep: None

Biopsy (various)

Prep: You must be off blood thinners, including aspirin, for 3 days prior to your appointment (check with your doctor before stopping your medication).

Breast

Prep: Bring your most recent mammogram with you if it was performed at a different facility and bring your referrals and prescription.

Carotid

Prep: None

Kidneys/Bladder

Prep: Drink 12 ounces of water (Sinai-Grace patients -drink 24 ounces instead of 12) one hour prior to your exam and hold it (do not urinate). You must have full bladder at time of the test. If you are on dialysis, do notdrink the water.

Pelvis

Prep: Complete drinking 24 ounces of water (DMC Sinai-Grace patients -drink 32 oz. instead of 24) one hour before the test and hold it (do not urinate). You must have full bladder at time of the test. If you are on dialysis, do notdrink the water.

Prostate

Notes: If you will be having biopsy, you must be off blood thinners, including aspirin, for 3 days prior to your appointment (check with your doctor before stopping your medication).

At 5:00 pm, mix Gatorade and the entire package of Miralax. Shake until dissolved. Start drinking 8 oz. of the mix every 10 minutes until it is gone. If you’re nauseous you can drink the mix more slowly. Some people find that walking around relieves the nausea.

You will begin having diarrhea usually within 1-2 hours. Although this is unpleasant, it allows your doctor to perform a thorough exam. If you have not started going within 5 hours, call the doctor – you may have to reschedule.

Swallow the other two Dulcolax tablets at about 8:00 pm.

Failure to follow these instructions may result in a repeat prep and exam, which may not be covered by your insurance.

Renal

Prep: Drink 12 ounces of water (Sinai-Grace patients -drink 24 ounces instead of 12) one hour prior to your exam and hold it (do not urinate). If you are on dialysis, do notdrink the water.

Scrotum

Prep: None

Thyroid

Prep: None

Notes: If you will be having biopsy, you must be off blood thinners, including aspirin, for 3 days prior to your appointment (check with your doctor before stopping your medication). If no biopsy, no prep.